Automatically-scoring mini-golf game

Abstract

A golf game uses radio signals from golf balls to signal to a central computer for automatic score-keeping by the computer. Sensors in each hole also send signals to the computer on the completion of each hole play for each golfer. The golf balls are distinguishable by the computer according to their radio frequencies or digital or other signal processing and coding encoding. The golf balls transmit struck by special golf clubs which incorporate magnets; the balls include magnetic or other corresponding sensors. Each player, upon starting the game, inputs his/her name or initials which action identifies the specific ball he/she has been assigned use on the course. Scores are reported optionally at each hole, and a final score is reported by the computer at the conclusion of play.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a game for players, of the type having a plurality of balls, a plurality of clubs for striking the balls, and a plurality of holes into which the balls may fall, and where scores are maintained, the improvement comprising: a ball-strike sensor associated with each respective ball,   a transmitter associated with each respective ball, the transmitter being coupled to the ball-strike sensor of the respective ball for emitting a respective signal upon being struck by one of the clubs, the signal being unique to the respective ball, and distinguishable from signals of all others of the balls;   receiver means for receiving the signals, the receiver means including a receiving antenna and a signal identifying means for determining which of the balls has been struck;   processing means for calculating and keeping scores, the processing means being coupled to the receiver means;   ball-in-hole sensors, coupled to the processing means, for reporting presence of the ball in each of the holes; and   score-displaying means, coupled to the processing means, for selectively exhibiting a score of the respective ball.   
     
     
       2. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein the ball-strike sensor includes a means for distinguishing club contact from other contacts with objects other than one of the clubs. 
     
     
       3. The improvement according to claim 2, wherein the club includes a means for generating a permanent magnetic field and   the ball-strike sensor includes a magnetic sensor responsive to the magnetic field, and   wherein the ball sends the signal to the processing means only when the ball is struck.   
     
     
       4. The improvement according to claim 2, wherein the ball-strike sensor includes selectively a motion sensor and a magnetic sensor. 
     
     
       5. The improvement according to claim 2, wherein the club includes magnetic properties, the ball-strike sensor includes a motion sensor, and   the ball-strike sensor includes a magnetic sensor responsive to the magnetic properties of the club.   
     
     
       6. The improvement according to claim 2, further including a plurality of the ball, and wherein each one of the balls includes a unique electronic identification, and the processing means includes means for reading the electronic identification of each one of the balls.   
     
     
       7. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein the receiving antenna is located in or under the fairway of the golf hole. 
     
     
       8. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein the balls transmit signals relatable to respective unique identifying ball indicia observable by the players and the score displaying means selectively shows the indicia when reporting scores. 
     
     
       9. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein the score-displaying means includes a plurality of hole displays, each of the hole displays being located adjacent a respective one of the holes. 
     
     
       10. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein the score-displaying means includes a printer for making a hard copy of a final score. 
     
     
       11. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein the score-displaying means includes an input device and a confirmation display of player names or initials. 
     
     
       12. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein the score-displaying means provides information including player names or initials, order of play, hole scores, hole-in-one announcements, instructions, and final scores. 
     
     
       13. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein the score-displaying means includes selectively voice announcements, audible alarms, and lights. 
     
     
       14. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein the receiving antenna is placed under a fairway carpet of the golf hole. 
     
     
       15. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein the receiving antenna is placed along vertical sides of the golf hole. 
     
     
       16. The improvement according to claim 1, including a bevel along each vertical side of a mini golf hole, which prevents balls from coming to rest against the vertical side, thereby facilitating a normal stroke without moving the ball. 
     
     
       17. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein signals are distinguishable selectively by being transmitted on various radio frequencies,   incorporating various different digital codes, digital compression, and   selectively phase coding and other signal processing methods.   
     
     
       18. The improvement according to claim 1, wherein the signal is a low power signal receivable only adjacent a location where scores are registered, and is not receivable at other game locations where the signal may interfere with other player's signals. 
     
     
       19. In a game using a plurality of clubs for striking a plurality of balls, the improvement comprising: a ball-strike sensor associated with each respective ball;   a transmitter associated with each respective ball, the transmitter being electrically coupled to the ball-strike sensor of the respective ball for emitting an electrical signal upon the club striking the ball, the signal being unique to the respective ball and distinguishable from signals of all others of the balls, whereby any of the plurality of balls may be identified upon being struck by a club.   
     
     
       20. The improvement according to claim 19, wherein: the club generates a field, and   the ball-strike sensor includes, for distinguishing ball-club contact from other contacts with objects other than the club, selectively a motion sensor, a force sensor, and a field sensor.